The Etiquette of Seeking Knowledge | Shaykh Bakr Aboo Zayd | Islamic Book

About The Etiquette of Seeking Knowledge

The Etiquette of Seeking Knowledge is an English edition of Hilyat Talib al-‘Ilm by Shaykh Bakr Abu Zayd, a classic short guide to the manners of a student of Islamic knowledge. It covers sincere intention, humility towards teachers, good companions, acting on what one learns, and guarding one’s tongue regarding scholars. It also warns of pitfalls that students often fall into.

About the author

Bakr Abu Zayd was born on 1 January 1944 in Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia, and died on 5 February 2008 in Riyadh. He worked as a librarian at the Islamic University of Madinah and became a judge in 1966, later serving as general procurator at the Ministry of Justice. He was president of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy from 1985 and joined the Council of Senior Scholars in 1991. He was Hanbali in fiqh.

What the book covers

• Purifying the intention for the sake of Allah
• Respect and humility towards teachers
• The importance of good companions in study
• Acting on what one has learnt
• Avoiding harmful speech about scholars

Who should read it

Students of Islamic knowledge in madrasas and universities, teachers, and anyone beginning a course of study will find it a helpful companion. It is brief enough to be read at the start of each year of study as a reminder.

Why manners come first

Scholars have long said that adab, good conduct, comes before knowledge. A student who is sincere, humble and patient benefits more from the same lessons than one who is proud or hurried. The book reminds the reader that seeking knowledge is an act of worship, and that its blessing depends on the heart as much as the intellect.

How to use it

Read a section a day and write down one point to act on. Share it with fellow students and remind one another. Return to the book at the start of each new course. Keep a copy in the study room or the madrasa library.

A note on editions

The English edition has been published in the UK by Al-Hidaayah, and other editions exist under similar titles. Retailers list different page counts, so please check the photographs or ask us on WhatsApp at 9906523492 about the copy in stock.

A gift for students

Because it is short and practical, the book makes a thoughtful gift for a student who is starting at a madrasa, a seminary or an Islamic course. It is also a good present for a teacher to give a class at the start of the year, or for parents of a child who has begun to memorise the Qur’an. A single copy kept in the study circle can be passed from one student to the next.

The student and the teacher

One of the strengths of the Etiquette of Seeking Knowledge is its attention to the bond between student and teacher. The book reminds students to honour those who teach them, to listen attentively and to make du’a for them. It also reminds teachers that they carry a trust. A class in which both sides keep good manners tends to be calm and fruitful, and the knowledge that is gained is more likely to be put into practice.

Edition details

An English translation of Hilyat Talib al-‘Ilm. We dispatch the same day from Srinagar, with delivery in 1 day within Srinagar and 3 to 10 days in the rest of India.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the author? Shaykh Bakr Abu Zayd of Saudi Arabia.

Is it for teachers too? Yes, teachers also benefit from its reminders.

Is it a long book? No, it is a short guide.

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